"Jeff Mackwood's lively vignettes form a vivid memoir revealing a sensitive and caring father, husband and son who bravely faced serious health issues, the death of his parents and the dramatic birth of a grand¬child. We share his sad concern and cheer with him when the baby finally begins to breathe. Jeff traveled the world, experiencing other cultures and droll situations which he recounts with an eye for amusing detail, noted while consuming many margaritas and quantities of beer. Despite work and family, travel and travails, he found time to excel in extreme sports practiced in extreme conditions. "--Roseann O'Reilly Runte, President and Vice-Chancellor, Carleton University, Ottawa